Skip to content
Pocket Botanist
Get the app

African milk tree · Euphorbia trigona

Why are there spots on my African milk tree?

It is less common for an African milk tree to develop spots, as they are quite resilient. These marks are usually caused by fungal issues from high humidity or physical damage, so check the plant for signs of pests or moisture buildup first.

Not sure it's this? Check a photo of your plant for free

spots on a plant
Photo: Scot Nelson, CC0

Check these first

  1. Inspect the spots for any webbing or tiny insects.
  2. Check if the spots are soft or if they feel dry and crusty.
  3. Observe if the spots are only on the side facing the light source.

Likely causes

  1. Fungal Infection

    Most likely

    How to tell: Small, dark, or rusty spots appear on the stems, often spreading if the air is too humid. This happens when the plant stays wet for too long.

    What to do: Improve air circulation around the plant by moving it to a less cramped space. Avoid misting the plant and ensure it is in a spot with bright, indirect light.

  2. Sunburn

    Possible

    How to tell: Light brown or bleached patches appear on the side of the plant facing the window. This happens if the plant is moved into intense direct sun too quickly.

    What to do: Gradually acclimate the plant to brighter light over 2 to 3 weeks. If the spots are severe, move the plant back to a slightly shadier spot.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your african milk tree

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

When to worry

If the spots are spreading rapidly or turning into soft, weeping sores, it is a serious concern. Small, dry, calloused spots are often just scars from past physical damage.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant in a dry environment with good airflow and avoid getting water on the stems when you irrigate. Acclimate the plant slowly to any changes in light intensity.

African milk tree: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your african milk tree and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Are these spots contagious to my other plants?
If the spots are fungal, they can spread through spores in the air. It is best to isolate the affected plant until the issue is resolved.
Will the spots go away?
Unfortunately, spots on an African milk tree are permanent scars. As the plant grows, you can eventually prune away the most damaged sections if you dislike the look.

More problems with African milk tree

Back to the African milk tree guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.